Virginia Beach EMS Program Earns $13.4M for Public Safety

Virginia Beach EMS Compassionate Billing Program Brings in Millions During First Full Year

Virginia Beach brought in $13.4 million during the first full year of its new “compassionate billing” program for emergency medical services, providing crucial funding for staffing, equipment, and training while charging residents zero out-of-pocket costs, WVEC-TV ABC 13 Hampton reported. The Virginia Beach City Council approved the initiative in May 2025, and it officially took effect on July 1, 2025.

New revenue stream supports rising public safety costs

City officials designed the revenue stream to combat rising operational costs and increasing call volumes without placing a financial burden on local taxpayers. Assistant City Manager Jason Stroud detailed the financial impact during a City Council work session.

“As our demand for services and costs for providing those services continue to rise, this council continues to be supportive not only of EMS but of all public safety in our city,” Stroud said during the session, as reported by WVEC-TV ABC 13 Hampton. “The establishment of this sustainable source of revenue was necessary to help ensure funding for much needed personnel, resources and equipment.”

Frequently Asked Questions About the EMS Revenue Program

How does the compassionate billing system work without charging residents?

The program bills third-party insurers and other coverage sources for emergency transport services rather than sending out-of-pocket bills to Virginia Beach residents.

When did the city council officially implement this policy?

The Virginia Beach City Council voted to approve the program in May 2025. Operations officially commenced a few weeks later on July 1, 2025.

How much revenue did the city generate in fiscal year 2026?

Assistant City Manager Jason Stroud reported to the City Council that the city collected $13.4 million during the 2026 fiscal year.